Best Ionian Oil and Animal Fat Types
MAIN INGREDIENTS
This extra-virgin olive oil is made on Kefalonia island in the Ionian Sea. The main characteristics of this product come from its combination of three different varieties of olives: Koroneiki, Agouromanako, and Venetsianiki Iadolia.
The olives are gathered manually when fully ripe and are transported to the mills. The oil is extracted within three days of picking using the traditional methods of crushing or centrifugation. Kefalonia has a recognizable green color, high viscosity, and a bitter taste which softens over time and becomes fruity.
The olive groves that produce this oil grow in the dry stony soil of the picturesque village of Agios Mathaios, southwest of Corfu. Only select olives of the Koroneiki variety are used to produce this oil, which is transparent, green to yellow-green in color, and has a bitter-sweet taste and a fruity aroma that is particularly strong when the oil is fresh.
It owes its characteristics to the area's Mediterranean climate, specific soil makeup, and traditional cultivation methods. To preserve Agios Mathaios oil correctly, it should be stored in a cool, dark place and be consumed within six months after it is pressed.
Zakynthos or Zante, a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, is one of the few places in the world where the number of olive trees has doubled in recent years. A significant portion of the local income is derived exclusively from the sale of the island's olive oil, which is of excellent quality due to the island's excellent weather and soil quality.
Local families and workers usually harvest the olives around November and work hard to preserve the oil's organoleptic characteristics by using traditional or centrifugal olive mills to pressing and processing it. Zakynthos is an extra virgin olive oil made from the Koroneiki and Dopia Lianolia varieties of olive that are cultivated on the island.
Corfu olive oil is produced on the Greek island of Corfu, almost exclusively from the Lianolia olive variety. Corfu olive oil is typically classified as extra virgin olive oil, the highest quality grade. This oil is derived purely from cold-pressed olives without any added processed oils.
The meticulous harvesting and processing techniques preserve the olives' robust, fruity flavors, low acidity, and high polyphenol content, which results in an oil rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Characterized by its bright, greenish-gold color, Corfu olive oil has an enticing aroma and a flavor palette that hints at grassy notes with a slightly peppery finish.
Best Ionian Oil and Animal Fat Producers
S. E. Mavroudis Bros Co. is an olive oil producer based in the Ionian Islands. The company specializes in producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil. They utilize traditional methods combined with modern technology to ensure the purity and flavor of their products.
Operating from the Ionian Islands, the company benefits from the region's favorable climate and soil conditions, which contribute to the distinct taste of their olive oil.
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2020
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2023, 2021, 2020
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022
BEST S.E. Mavroudis Bros Olive Oils
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2018, 2016
Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2017
BEST Dimitrios And Georgios Andriotis and Sia Olive Oils
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2020
BEST Liocharis Kefalonia Olive Oil Marina Galiatsatou Olive Oils
AWARDS
London IOOC - Gold
2022
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
BEST Nioelia Olive Oils
Theotoky Estate is a distinguished olive oil producer located on the Greek island of Corfu. The estate has been in operation for several generations, managed by the Theotoky family. The olive oil produced at the estate is organic, emphasizing sustainable farming practices.
The estate also produces wine and offers tours and tastings for visitors interested in learning about its agricultural practices and products.
Andriotis Dimitrios is an olive oil producer based in Corfu, Greece. The company focuses on producing high-quality olive oil from locally sourced olives. They utilize traditional methods combined with modern technologies to ensure the purity and flavor of their products.
Their offerings include extra virgin olive oil, which is often praised for its distinct taste and health benefits. The olive oil is produced with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Andriotis Greek Olive Oil is a producer based on the island of Corfu, Greece. The company specializes in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, leveraging traditional methods of olive cultivation and pressing. Their products often highlight the unique terroir of Corfu, contributing to the rich flavors of their olive oil.
The company also emphasizes sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices in their production process.
Best Ionian Oils and Animal Fats
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022
AWARDS
London IOOC - Platinum
2021
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2018, 2016
Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2017
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2020
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2023
AWARDS
London IOOC - Gold
2021
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2020
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2020
Neolea Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Born in Greece is a premium olive oil produced by Neolea Ltd. It is known for its rich, robust flavor and vibrant green color, characteristic of high-quality extra virgin olive oils. The olives used are handpicked from groves in Greece, ensuring traditional methods and superior quality.
The oil is cold-pressed to maintain its nutritional properties and authentic taste. This extra virgin olive oil is commonly used for both culinary applications and as a finishing touch to dishes, enhancing their flavor profile.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2020
Theotoky Organic Early Harvest is an extra virgin olive oil produced by Theotoky Estate, a renowned family-owned estate on the island of Corfu in Greece. The estate has a long tradition of organic farming, ensuring that the olives are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides.
The early harvest olives are picked while still green, which gives the oil a robust, fruity flavor and a higher concentration of polyphenols, known for their health benefits. This premium olive oil is celebrated for its fresh, peppery taste and rich aroma, making it a favorite among culinary enthusiasts.
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2023
The Mavroudis Golden Collection Premium is a high-quality product made by S. E. Mavroudis Bros Co., a company known for its dedication to producing exceptional culinary items. This premium collection typically features extra virgin olive oil sourced from carefully cultivated olives, ensuring a rich and distinguished flavor profile.
The olives are often hand-picked and cold-pressed to preserve their natural qualities.
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2023
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